The Toronto Raptors have discussed a trade involving point guard Eric Bledsoe with the Los Angeles Clippers recently, according to ESPN's Marc Stein. Talks are only at the "exploratory stage" at this point, but the Raptors' interest in L.A.'s prized young point guard is said to be "significant."
NBA trade rumors: Raptors targeting Eric Bledsoe, per report
The Raptors have inquired about trading for Chris Paul’s backup in Los Angeles.
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Toronto is likely going to insist that big man Andrea Bargnani is part of any deal involving Bledsoe, but the Clippers might be more tempted to pull the trigger if the trade also includes shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. It's unclear how both sides could work out a deal involving all three players, but it seems obvious L.A. wants an off-guard back in any trade it makes for Bledsoe.
Parting with DeRozan less than a year after giving him a $40 million contract extension would be unexpected, but Stein says the team could be prepared to do so. With new management in place, headed by former Denver Nuggets boss Masai Ujiri, it’s possible moving the contracts of DeRozan and Bargnani is a top priority.
The Raptors already gave up a first-round pick last offseason to acquire Kyle Lowry, but Bledsoe would give the team a quick guard well-equipped to run with Rudy Gay.
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